Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle. – Page 209 – As told by Jessica Steele. Based in NYC.

December 19, 2013March 7, 2015

prints and perks

These printed jeans continue to be the most surprising item in my wardrobe. One of the few times an impulse, trendy buy (I’m usually a fairly calculated shopper) turned out to be something that I get tons of wear out of. They add the perfect amount of punch to an otherwise pretty simple look. Another surprise? The fact that I was able to get a few more wears – in December no less! – of my open toe shoes. Only in LA. This sweater (last seen here) has also quickly earned it’s place as a closet staple and I’d be lying if I said I haven’t worn it at least once a week lately. The bold print and fuzzy texture pretty much make the look here but I couldn’t resist adding one of my favorite vintage bags and this lovely little amethyst necklace.

Asos Sweater c/o // Shop Kikay Necklace c/o // Madewell printed Jeans – 30% off sitewide w/ code TOYOU // Sole Society Booties c/o

December 17, 2013March 7, 2015

that 70’s show

I love a piece that already feels like it has a story to it when you get it, and this coat felt like a really cool find from the 70’s that I could have picked up in a thrift shop somewhere (in reality I got it for practically pennies at my company sample sale). I love the boxy shape, subdued stripes and oversized patch pockets that meant I didn’t even have to carry a purse to run my errands this particular day. In another case of lucky finds, we turned the corner of this street and there sat a perfectly matching Chevy truck – this one real vintage – that was too good not to include. Adam (the boy behind the camera) happens to love cars in the way that I love shoes so these pictures are basically a very fitting combination of us.

Tulle Coat // Vintage Sweater // Ruche Dress – very similar here // K.Bell Tights c/o // OluKai Boots c/o // Sunglass Warehouse Sunglasses c/0

December 16, 2013March 7, 2015

tiny dancer

I didn’t expect to be back in bare legs in the middle of December, but when the weather hit the mid 70’s this weekend I embraced it by pulling out this tutu of a skirt and skipping around town in an unapologetically girly outfit. I also make no apologies for wearing this scarf when it’s warm enough for bare legs. One touch of this seriously soft faux fur and you’d be hard pressed to take it off too. Plus, it added to the whole ballerina look I had going in layers of softs tans, whites, and greys – a look I love for winter as a means of breaking up the sea of black and navy usually seen on the streets. For those of you who are surrounded by winter whites right now (the snow that is), I’d add charcoal grey tights and booties with a bit more stability – and of course closed toes! – and twirl your way through the storm.

Scarves.net Scarf c/o // Vintage Sweater // F21 Skirt – old, similar here // Sole Society Bag & Booties c/0

December 16, 2013March 7, 2015

weekend flashback

It’s an ironic time of year here in Los Angeles. While I bake Christmas cookies and write out cards, the weather here warmed back up to 75 degrees today. Palm trees are wrapped in twinkling lights. Today I wore a scarf and passed a guy in shorts carrying a surfboard. The only holiday music that sounds appropriate is by the Beach Boys. As an East Coaster (feeling nostalgic as I see all the snow filled Instagram pictures this weekend) it’s not exactly what I’m used to, but I’m embracing it this year. So bare legs, and a scarf for good measure, it is. Hope you’re staying warm wherever you are and finding ways to celebrate no matter the weather! p.s. If you’re reading this and it’s still Sunday night before 11:59 PM PST there’s a bit of time left to enter my Giveaway with Restricted Shoes & K.Bell Socks here!

December 13, 2013March 7, 2015

the steele maiden x k.bell socks

The Steele Maiden: K.Bell Socks Fall Lookbook

A few weeks back I had the pleasure of collaborating with K.Bell Socks to showcase the Fall ’14 line for their next lookbook. Let me preface this to say that I am by no means a model, but suffice to say that this was far too fun of an opportunity to pass up. I wanted to share a few results of that day here (and you can see a few more on their site – where you can also shop some of these perfectly winter ready styles). Not only was their entire team incredibly welcoming and so great to work with but playing dress up with cute tights and socks is certainly not a bad way to spend a day. It’s hard to pick a favorite look but I love the holiday ready look with those black tights and cute bow dress. And how cute is that dog below that totally stole my spotlight? Enjoy and have a great weekend! Included: Velvet Leggings // Microfiber Tights // Fleece Lined Tights – all of which you can win if you enter my Giveaway with K.Bell and Restricted shoes here!